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Li Bai (701-762)

The drunken immortal

Li Bai, also called Li Taibai, is one of the most important
poets in Chinese history. He lived in the 8th century during the
political and cultural zenith of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907).

In his two poems about Mount Taibai the poet tells
of the mystical ascent of the mountain. The mountain represents the
earthly correspondence of the planet Venus (chin. Taibaixing). Li Bai himself understands that he is a human
incarnation of this planet.

Li Bai moved in a world in which microcosm and
macrocosm correspond. His ascent of the mountain is a metaphor for
the ascent to transcendence. By placing himself in the axis between
mountain and planet and walking up along it, the ascent of the
mountain becomes an experience of enlightenment which enables him
to recognise the Dao.

Li Bai is often portrayed as a drunkard poet. But
alcohol for him was not merely a simple source of intoxication but
a Daoist mystical drug which played its own role in the knowledge
of the Dao. With the help of this magical drink, Li Bai probably
stayed - like a medium - in contact with the
gods.